Holiday in Jinjiang

About Jinjiang

Jinjiang is the shoe capital of China and one of the economic power centers of Fujian Province. The coastal city south of Quanzhou produces about a third of all Chinese sports shoes — global brands like Anta, 361°, Peak, and Xtep originated here. However, behind the industrial facade lies a city rich in Minnan culture, historical temples, and a vibrant connection to the Chinese diaspora in Southeast Asia. The Anping Bridge (also known as Wu-Li Bridge) is one of the most significant medieval structures in China: The 2,255-meter-long stone bridge over Anhai Bay was built in 1138 during the Song Dynasty and was the longest stone bridge in the world for centuries. Today, it is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site Maritime Silk Road Quanzhou. The Cao'an Temple is unique in the world: It is the last remaining Manichaean structure in the world. The Manichaean faith, a world religion from the 3rd century, has disappeared everywhere else — in Jinjiang, it survived in a small stone temple from the 14th century. A rock sculpture of Mani (the founder of the religion) with a radiant halo is the only known Manichaean cult image that has remained in situ. The Wudian City (Shishi Old Town) preserves traditional Minnan architecture: Red brick buildings with upward-curving roofs, carved stone portals, and courtyards that reflect the architectural style of Hokkien culture. Many of the magnificent houses were financed by overseas Chinese (Huaqiao) who emigrated to Southeast Asia and sent their wealth back home. The Jinjiang coastal section offers kilometers of sandy beaches that are largely unknown: Shenhu Beach and Weito Beach are popular with locals but rarely visited by foreign tourists. The offshore island Dajü has an ancient monastery complex and offers panoramic views of the Taiwan Strait.